Can vaccination for HPV virus help someone who already has genital warts? Will it help to protect my partner? – Mel* Getting the HPV vaccine is definitely still a good idea for you. That's because there are different types of HPV — some that cause warts, and others that cause cancer. Even if you have already been infected with the type of HPV that causes genital warts, you can still protect yourself against the types that can cause cancer since you may not be infected with those types yet. If you get vaccinated now, it won't protect your partner, though. But your partner can be vaccinated too. Both guys and girls should be vaccinated against HPV to help prevent the spread of the disease. Even if you and your partner have both been vaccinated, always use condoms for any type of sex (oral, anal, or vaginal). Condoms help prevent the spread of the types of HPV that are not covered by the vaccine. And, of course, condoms also help protect against other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. Back to Articles Related Articles HPV Vaccine The HPV vaccine can help protect against the virus that causes genital warts and may lead to some kinds of cancer. Find out more in this article for teens. Read More Can You Still Get Genital Warts If You've Had All the HPV Shots? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Talking to Your Partner About STDs You know you should talk about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) before the action starts. But what if the thought of having "the talk" makes you nervous? These tips can help. Read More 5 Tips for Surviving Shots If you're afraid of shots, you're not alone. Next time your doc asks you to roll up your sleeve, try these tips. Read More Genital Warts (HPV) Genital warts usually are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which also can lead to cervical cancer and other types of cancer. The HPV vaccine can prevent HPV infection. Read More Do I Have to Get All My HPV Vaccine Shots? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) You've probably heard lots of discouraging news about sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. Find out how to protect yourself. Read More Do I Need a Pelvic Exam if I Had the HPV Vaccine? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.